A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Two blocks away" in Italian
Learn how to tell someone a location is two blocks away in Italian with this simple, natural phrase for navigating Italian cities.
A due isolati da qui.
ah DOO-eh ee-so-LAH-tee dah Kweeneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when a local asks for directions or when you are confirming a location with a taxi driver. It is the standard way to describe distance in a city grid.
Alternatives
- A due traverse da qui.Use this if you are referring specifically to cross-streets.
- È a duecento metri.Use this if you prefer using metric distance over city blocks.
- Gira tra due isolati.Use this when giving instructions to turn after two blocks.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'isolato' with 'blocco'
While 'blocco' exists, Italians use 'isolato' to describe the physical square of buildings between streets.
Mispronouncing the double 't'
Ensure you hold the 't' sound in 'isolati' slightly longer to sound natural rather than rushing through it.
A small cultural note
In many historic Italian city centers, streets are winding and irregular, so 'isolati' may not always be as clear as using landmarks or street names.
Frequently asked
How do Italians measure distance in cities?
Italians typically use meters or the number of street intersections. If you are in a very old city, people are more likely to point to a landmark than count blocks.
Is it better to use meters or blocks?
Meters are more common and universally understood across all regions. Use blocks only when the city layout is clearly gridded, like in parts of Turin or newer districts.
What if I don't know the word for block?
You can simply point and say 'lì' (there) or name the next street you see on your map. Most locals will appreciate the effort to communicate regardless of the specific vocabulary.
